A brand new Mrs. Kyte!

Yesterday my oldest son, Ben, married his fiance Lizzie in a service in Bedfordshire. My wife was a witness in signing the marriage certificate; my other son led worship and my daughter was a bridesmaid. In my role as a pastor I've conducted quite a few weddings over the last 20 years and I've also done numerous wedding addresses. So it felt slightly strange to have no particular part to play except say grace at the reception (something that I obviously spent many hours preparing for!)

150 family and friends crammed into Kings Baptist Church, Stotfold to offer their support and congratulations to the happy couple. They were there to celebrate the formation of a new relationship - something which is sadly lacking in today's society where the majority of couples make a personal choice to co-habit with no reference to anyone else. Events like weddings recapture that sense of community and shared joy which is frequently sacrificed to the god of individualism. It was very much a God-centred service. For me, the moments when Ben & Lizzie made their vows to one another were the most moving. But it also had its moments of fun - notably when the bridal party processed out to the strains of a Bob Marley song!

After a honeymoon in Scotland, Ben & Lizzie will be living in Birmingham and will continue to be part of Oasis Church - one of the Newfrontiers churches in the city.

There are now two Mrs. Kytes - but my wife isn't that keen on the idea of being known as Mrs. Kyte Senior!